3370 COM HISTORY OF CINEMA

Kim Vera

TITLE: American Graffiti

RELEASING COMPANY & DATE: Universal Pictures August 11, 1973

PRODUCER: Francis Coppola, Gary Kurtz DIRECTOR: George Lucas

WRITER: George Lucas, Gloria Katz, Willard Huyck

CAST: Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Let Mat, Charles Martin Smith, Cindy Williams, Candy Clark, Mackenzie Phillips, Harrison Ford, Suzanne Somers

PRINCIPAL ARTISTS/CRAFTSMEN: Jan D’Alquen, Ron Eveslage, Haskell Wexler, Verna Fields, Marcia Lucas

THEME OF FILM: Coming of age

PLOT: This film is about high school graduates who are unsure of their future. On the night before leaving for college, they experience one last night of before they go off and start their lives as adults. A series of ups and down cause them to question their lives.

REVIEWER’S COMMENTS:
The typical life of a high school graduate, this movie is relatable for anyone. Throughout the movie, the factor that stuck out the most was that it was heavily driven by music. The dialogue was rather enjoyable and humorous. This movie further proves that teens have barely changed. Their lives are still focused on hooking up, and driving around looking for something to entertain them. This film also dives into the fear most feel when they are about to enter the “real World.”

PLACE IN HISTORY:
One of the first quintessential teen flicks and gained worldwide success financially and critically, even winning an Academy Award.